Abstract: The invention relates to a medical plaster which is able to supply damaged skin and open wounds with an active compound which helps to accelerate wound healing and allows it to proceed better. The plaster has novel design features which enable, in particular, protein- or peptide-containing medicaments, such as, for example, erythro-poietin (EPO), to exert their wound-healing or wound-healing-promoting action by release of the active compound from the plaster without being significantly deactivated or metabolized in the process by substances occurring in the wound secretion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of biocompatible structures. For this purpose, a chemically amplified photoresist is applied to a substrate and is structured. The photoresist contains a first polymer which has anchor groups for linking a biocompatible compound and a second polymer which is electrically conductive. After the structuring of the resist, a solution of the biocompatible compound is applied so that the biocompatible compound is coordinated to the anchor groups of the polymer.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting and/or treating wounds on a patient's skin includes applying a covering of collodion over an area on the patient's skin which is prone to formation of an ulcer or to a wound on the patient's skin where a wound has formed. The covering of collodion may contain an active ingredient to stimulate healing of the area covered by the collodion.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel HSP20-based polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for using such polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions for various therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicine, more concretely to photodynamic therapy, and may be used in oncology and dermatology. A method is proposed for photodynamic therapy of pathological surface formations, which comprises sensitizing a surface of the pathological area by superposing an applicator containing 5-aminolevulinic acid, and irradiating the sensitized area with therapeutic optical radiation in the spectral range of 625-700 nm, wherewith an applicator is used which is transparent in the spectral range of at least 625-700 nm, and irradiation is carried out through the applicator. Wherewith therapeutic irradiation is carried out under control of the intensity of fluorescence of the tissues of the pathological area by irradiation of the tissues in the spectral range of 625-635 nm and measurement of the intensity of fluorescence in the range of 635-700 nm through the applicator.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel collagen peptides that are modified by grafting free or substitued thiol functions carried by mercaptoamine radicals. The aim of the invention is to provide thiol collagens that can be cross-linked in a sufficient and controlled manner by forming S—S bridges and which are biocompatible. This is achieved by means of the inventive thiol collagens which are characterized in that the mercaptoamine radicals are identical to or different from each other and are exclusively grafted on the aspartic and glutamic acids of the collagen chain by amide bonds. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said thiol and cross-linkable collagens. The novel modified cross-linkable and/or cross-linked collagens can be used as biomaterials.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a modified collagen peptide for preventing post-operative adhesions that is non-toxic, economic, in addition to being easy to obtain, sterilize, manipulate and implement, having controlled biodegradability and presenting a sufficiently strong initial mechanical resistance in situ (cohesion). This is achieved in the case of the modified collagen peptide for preventing post-operative adhesions according to the invention which is characterized in that it comprises at least one collagen peptide that is modified by grafting thiol functions that are free or substituted, cross-linkable and/or at least partly cross-linked, whereby the thiol functions are provided by mercaptoamine radicals that are exclusively grafted on the aspartic and glutamic acids of the collagen chains by means of amide bonds. The modified collagen peptide can exist in the form of a homogeneous or composite film, as a gel or in as a liquid which can be applied and cross-linked per se as on in vivo tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation. In particular, the present invention provides cyanoacrylate polymer sealants formulated to contain biologically active elemental silver and/or insulin. The invention also provides methods and compositions for delivering silver and/or insulin in combination with cyanoacrylate sealants. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treatment of wounds in diabetics, normal patients and surgical patients.

Abstract: A wound dressing and method for treating a wound with a wound dressing are provided. In particular, the wound dressing contains a fibrous component, typically made from silk fibers or wool fibers for attracting and capturing proteases from a wound site that may interfere with the healing of the wound, and a growth factor.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: Sequestrants and inhibitors of protease are applied to the wound site through the use of wound dressing based carrier systems to which they may be optionally ionically or covalently bound for the purpose of the initiation or enhancement of healing associated with chronic non-healing wounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible tissue reactive composition comprising a functionalized polymer having tissue reactive substituents that are capable of forming covalent bonds with tissue associated functional groups.

Abstract: A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive article that includes a backing substrate and a discontinuous adhesive layer disposed thereon, wherein the backing substrate comprises a fibrous web and absorbent particulate material, and further wherein the article has an initial wet skin adhesion of at least 20 g/2.5 cm (0.08 N/cm).

Abstract: Chitosan/alginate post-surgical anti-adhesion barriers, methods of preventing post-surgical adhesions, and methods and devices for forming post-surgical anti-adhesion barriers are provided. An aqueous solution of chitosan and a complexing agent, and an aqueous solution of alginate are combined to form an anti-adhesion barrier at a site of surgical intervention. A medicinal agent may optionally be incorporated.

Abstract: A therapeutic mat for application to a person includes a relatively elastic substrate of a predetermined size, a hydrogel substance connected to the elastic substrate, and a plurality of microcrystals dispersed throughout the hydrogel substance. The therapeutic mat may further include retaining straps connectable to the elastic substrate and of a size and configuration to extend about the part of the body for supporting the therapeutic mat in a relatively fixed position.

Abstract: A debridement pad is provided having fibrinolysin enzyme, desoxyribonuclease enzyme and cellulosic material in the form of a lyophilized sponge-like pad. Placement of the pad over an open wound produces a gel which has a protective effect and which releases the enzymes directly into the wound. The pad may also contain antibiotic agents.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: Dural substitutes are provided, which include collagen treated and/or prepared to be physiologically compatible and substantially free of active viruses and prions. Suitable forms for the dural substitutes include a sponge, a film, a non-woven matrix, a felt or a combination of at least two of the foregoing forms. Also provided are a method for preparing dural substitutes and a method for promoting meningeal tissue growth.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for draping a surgical site prior to surgery. Specifically, the methods of this invention involve the in situ formation of a cyanoacrylate polymeric drape on the skin surface of a patient peripheral to the surgical site. Surgery is then conducted at the surgical site.

Abstract: A barrier web comprising a fabric that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selectively binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified collagen which is soluble in water and/or in aprotic polar organic solvents and which comprises free or substituted thiol functional groups carried by residues of cysteine or its derivatives, the residues being, at least partially, residues which are directly grafted onto the collagen chain, characterized in that it possesses a level of free or substituted thiol functional groups greater than 0.3, preferably 0.5 mM/g of collagen. The invention also relates to the production of these new collagen derivatives and to their application in the preparation of biomaterials, it being possible for the latter to be used especially in the manufacture of implants, prostheses or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides water soluble wound dressing materials comprising from 5% to 50% of an alginate ester of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 polyhydric alcohol; from 50% to 95% of a humectant consisting of one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; and from 0% to 30% of water, the percentages being calculated by weight based on the weight of the material when anhydrous. The preferred alginate ester is propylene glycol alginate (PGA). The materials dissolve in water at temperatures below 40.degree. C. The materials are normally produced in the form of soft, conformable, wound-friendly films. The materials may also comprise medicaments or antiseptics.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a novel wound dressing providing superior absorption and preventing leakage is disclosed. The present dressing comprises a hydrocolloid-containing polymeric support layer either continuous or non-continuous and an occlusive backing layer overlying the support. In a preferred embodiment the present dressing further includes an adhesive on a skin-contacting surface of the support and an absorbent region interposed between the support and the backing layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a patch-type device for iontophoretic transdermal medication of insulin of one-piece form having a container for holding gel-like insulin and a power supply for furnishing insulin with electricity. A patch plate, formed with an embossed portion, electrically contacts an electrode pattern formed in a printed circuit board carried by the device, thereby improving transdermal treatment of insulin.

Abstract: A device for administering an active agent to the skin or mucosa of an individual comprising a laminated composite of an adhesive overlay, a backing layer underlying the central portion of the adhesive overlay, an active agent-permeable membrane, the backing layer and membrane defining a reservoir that contains a formulation of the active agent, a peel seal disc underlying the active agent-permeable membrane, a heat seal about the periphery of the peel seal disc, the active agent-permeable membrane and the backing layer and a removable release liner underlying the exposed overlay and peel seal disc. The adhesive layer is above and peripheral to the path of the active agent to the skin or mucosa and is protected from degradation by the components of the reservoir by a multiplicity of heat seals. The peel seal disc protects against release of the active agent-containing reservoir and the release liner protects the adhesive from exposure to the environment prior to use.

Abstract: Anti-adhesion films useful for the prevention of surgical adhesions are disclosed. These films comprise substrate materials (such as collagen) and hetero-bifunctional anti-adhesion binding agents, wherein the substrate material is covalently linked to receptive tissue within the body of a patient via the binding agent. Preferred binding agents comprise substrate-reactive and tissue-selective functional groups. Anti-adhesion compositions useful for the formation of such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: Suturable, biocompatible, control-resorbing membranes are disclosed for use in guided tissue regeneration, comprising a cross-linked collagen material either obtained by crosslinking a starting collagen material in the coagulated state produced by coagulation of a collagen material gel with a coagulating agent or obtained by crosslinking of a sponge of a collagen material on which a collagen material gel has been poured before performing the crosslinking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive, biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic composition for surgical use, in particular for binding tissues, which composition is of the following general formula: ##STR1## in which: R is a hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 50 carbon atoms,R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are identical or different and are chosen from the following groups: ##STR2## R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.

Abstract: Controlled release membranes are prepared from polyureaurethane polymer derived from prepolymer units at least 75% of which are oxyethylene-based diols or polyols having essentially all of the hydroxyl groups capped with polyisocyanate are disclosed. The membranes are characterized by their biocompatibility and resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption and are particuarly useful for delivery of proteinaceous materials in drug-delivery systems, i.e., wound dressings. Also disclosed are novel biocompatible, protein-nonadsorptive hydrated polymers and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of unpigmented skin from flat fish as novel industrial source of collagen. As unpigmented skin, the ventral skin is used in particular, from sole, dab, turbot, brill. Native acid-soluble collagen is advantageously extracted and separated by precipitation from the supernatant. The invention makes it possible to improve the collagen yield at reduced cost while preserving the native properties of the protein, and in a reproducible manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single and multiple layer collagen films that are useful for improved sustained release delivery of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crosslinkable modified collagen which is soluble in water and/or in aprotic polar organic solvents and which contains free or substituted thiol groups carried by residues of cysteine or derivatives thereof, at least some of the residues being fixed to the collagen via spacer compounds. It further relates to processes for the production of the collagen. Applications are adhesives, biomaterials for prostheses, implants, or other medical articles.

Abstract: A patch for visceral surgery is made from a biomaterial consisting of two layers of collagen superimposed and closely combined, namely a porous adhesive layer of fibrous collagen and a film of collagen and/or gelatin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound dressing having microscopic web-like interconnections and a porous structure of continuous pores throughout the wound dressing. In the first embodiment of the method, the dressing is produced by the steps of heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and solvent to form a homogenous solution; cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material and freeze-drying the gel. In a second embodiment of the method, the wound dressing is produced by heating while simultaneously stirring a biocompatible material and the solvent to form a homogenous solution, cooling while simultaneously stirring the homogenous solution to form a gel made of a dispersion of gel particles of the biocompatible material; warming while simultaneously stirring the gel, allowing the warm gel to cool to form a soft gel and freeze-drying the soft gel.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic collagen coverings derived from animal eyes and a process preparing such coverings comprising treatment of a fibrous tunic of an animal eye with an alkali metal hydroxide in a saturated solution of a salt of an alkali metal, followed by neutralization, dissolution in an aqueous solution of an organic acid, purification of the resulting solution of collagen by dialysis against a buffer solution while bringing the solution of collagen to a pH of 4.5 to 7.5 and drying the thus-obtained solution of collagen simultaneously with shaping spherical coverings therefrom.